Efficacy and Safety of Stomatab Capsules® in Improving Oral Health in Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: An Open-labeled Clinical Study

Background: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common ulcerative disease of the oral mucosa, which is difficult to treat. In Ayurveda, several medicinal plants have been evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in many oral diseases as an alternative for modern medicines. Method: A study with open-label, non-comparative single-arm design was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of “Stomatab” capsules in improving oral health in 30 subjects with RAS. The secondary objectives were to assess the improvement in oral health and tolerability of the herbal formulation. Subjects were instructed to take one capsule thrice daily after meals for 14 days. Patients were evaluated at three assessment points: screening and baseline (Visit 1, Day 0) with follow-ups done at Visit 2 (Day 5 ± 2) and Visit 3 at the end of the study (Day 14 ± 2). Results: There was a significant reduction in the mean ulcer size from 3.66 ± 1.27 mm (V1) to 0.64 ± 0.78 (V3). The mean number of ulcers reduced from 1.97 ± 0.72 (V1) to 0.90 ± 0.66 (V3). Significant improvement in ulcer-related symptoms of pain (Ruja), burning sensation (Daha) and redness (Raktavarnata) was noted. The total ulcer symptom scores decreased from 7.67 ± 2.38 (V1) to 0.63 ± 0.56 (V3). No side effects were reported by the study participants. Conclusion: These results show that the polyherbal formulation “Stomatab” capsule is safe and effective for the treatment of RAS.

Phytochemical Characterization and Systemic Exposure of Bioactive Metabolites of the Aqueous Extracts of Ficus thonningii Blume (Moraceae) on Albino Wistar Rats

Ficus thonningii (Blume) is considered as a herbal plant with well documented biological activity in the management of several diseases in the tropics. However, there is a gap of information on its safety and proof of efficacy in evidence-based medicine. The objective of this study was to characterize the bioactive metabolites of the hydro-ethanolic extract of the stem bark of Ficus. thonningii and in vivo evaluation of the systemic exposure of the bioactive metabolite. Phytochemical screening was done using standard extraction techniques, and test according to methods adopted from Sofowora and collaborators. Quantitative analysis was done using spectrophotometer of plant extract with different reference standards. Analysis of the animals' plasma following administration of the extract was used to investigate systemic exposure to confirmed the presence of absence of metabolites in systemic circulation. This work shows that F. thonningii (Blume) stem bark hydro-ethanolic extract contains polyphenols, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, catechic tannins, gallic tannins, coumarins, quinones, phlobatannins. This study shows that the hydro-ethanolic extract of F. thonningii contains total phenolic content of 192,27 ± 3,40 mgEQ/MS g gallic acid and total flavonoid content of 103,59 ± 15,72 mgEQ/MS quercetin. This study shows that the secondary metabolites in the hydro-ethanolic extract of the stem bark of F. thonningii (Blume) were not detected in plasma and not bioavailable.

Comparative Pharmacognostic and Powder Microscopic Studies of the Bark of Four Ficus Species (Nalpamaram)

Nalpamaram is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic system for the treatment of several ailments. It is very effective for the treatment of skin diseases like pigmentation, wrinkles and dark circles. This has a brown texture and a unique aroma. Nalpamaram is a mixture of four plant species of the family Moraceae - Ficus religiosa (Asvattha), Ficus benghalensis (Nyagrodha), Ficus racemosa (Udumbara) and Ficus microcarpa (Plaksah). The barks of the species are usually interchanged or adulterated with other species of Ficus because of the limited knowledge in identification and differentiation. Therefore, a detailed comparative pharmacognostic evaluation of the four species has been carried out with the aim to establish the diagnostic keys of these important drugs based on the pharmacognostic and powder macroscopic profiles. Pharmacognostic study of all these shows differences in values. Total ash is low in F. racemosa and high in F. benghalensis Acid insoluble ash is low in F. benghalensis and high in F. racemosa. Water soluble extractive is low in F. benghalensis and high in F. racemosa. Alcohol soluble extractive is low in F. benghalensis and high in F. racemosa. Unique identification features like stone cells and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate were found in the powder of all four species. The information from the present study provide data which is useful for the development of suitable monograph, determining the quality and purity of a crude drug and laying down Pharmacopoeia standards for Nalpamaram.

Identification of phytoconstituents for combating Polycystic ovarian syndrome through in silico techniques

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the leading causes for infertility in women. One in Five women of the population is affected by PCOS. The synthetic drugs currently used are targeted to provide an artificial support for the hormonal imbalance in the body which leads to various adverse effects. Natural herbs serve as a best remedy for many of the diseases as they cure the root cause and target the disease specifically. Selection of herbs is a crucial part in the formulation. In silico studies play an important role in analyzing the activity of the compound with the selected target. The herbs which had reported biological activity on uterus were selected and their vital chemical constituents were docked with the identified target of PDB ID 3RUK and 1E3K, respectively. The values obtained shows the potential effect of chemical constituent with the suitable target. Among the list of herbs selected, Sesamin from Sesamum indicum and lanosterol from Ficus religiosa had good binding affinity with both the selected proteins and had better drug likeliness properties. Hence, further studies on these compounds for targeting PCOS is expected to give potent activity and produce promising results.

Chemical Constituents from the Stem Bark of Ficus thonningii and their Chemotaxonomic Significance

Background of the Study: Tropical plants of the Ficus genus (Moraceae) are among the earliest fruit trees that humans have cultivated. Since ancient times, many folk medicines have used species of this genus to treat a variety of ailments. Evidence from earlier investigations has shown these plants contain abundant secondary metabolites with a variety of structural properties and biological functions. Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out at the University of Nairobi (Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Chemistry) from January to June 2022. Aim: The study focuses on isolating and identifying secondary metabolites from the stem bark of Ficus thonningii Blume found in Kenya and their chemotaxonomic significance. Methodology: Dried powdered stem bark of Ficus thonningii was extracted by maceration at room temperature using CH2Cl2/CH3OH (1:1) to yield a crude extract which was fractionated in a chromatographic column (CC) using silica gel (60 – 120 mesh) as an adsorbent eluting with EtOAc/n-hexane followed by CH3OH/EtOAc. The fractions were purified using silica gel (70 – 230, 230 – 400 mesh) CC and chromatotron eluting with solvents of different polarity, as well as a crystallization technique. Structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated and identified using the spectroscopic method (NMR (1D and 2D)) and by comparison with reported literature data. Results: Phytochemical investigation of the stem bark of Ficus thonningii afforded seven compounds, including yukovanol (1), 5,7,4?-trihydroxy-3?-(2-hydroxy-3-methyl-3-butenyl)isoflavone (2), cajanin (3), taxifolin (4), protocatechuic acid (5), saccharose (6), and stigmasterol (7). Compounds 1 - 3, 5 and 7 were not reported from F. thonningii until now. Further, compound 6 is being isolated from the genus Ficus for the first time. Conclusion: The chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated phytochemicals demonstrates the taxonomic position of F. thonningii in the genus Ficus and explains its multiple ethnomedicinal applications.

An open-label, randomized study to unfold the potential of Ficus benghalensis in modulation of cognitive impairment using diabetic (Streptozotocin induced) rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus is associated with cognitive, neurophysiological, and structural changes in the central nervous system. Aim and Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Ficus benghalensis on cognitive behavior and acetylcholinesterase levels in brain of diabetic rats, and to compare with Piracetam and Glimepiride. Material and Methods: Wistar rats of either sex weighing 150–200 g were randomized into ten groups of ten each (five groups of diabetic rats and five groups of non-diabetic rats) where one group of diabetic and one group of non-diabetic rats each received F. benghalensis dose I (50 mg/kg), F. benghalensis dose II (100 mg/kg), Piracetam (200 mg/kg) and Glimepiride (0.5 mg/kg), and one group of diabetic rats and one group of non-diabetic rats served as the control group. The blood glucose levels were assessed at 0 and 30th days. The assessment of acquisition phase of each cognitive behavior test was done on 0, 14th, and 29th days, whereas retention phase was assessed on 1st, 15th, and 30th days. Results: In comparison with diabetic control group, F. benghalensis at both doses showed significant decrease in blood glucose levels as well as acquisition and retention of Transfer Latency in elevated plus maze on 29th and 30th days, respectively. Further, both doses exhibited significant increase in retention of step-down latency (SDL) on 30th in continuous avoidance apparatus, but only dose II showed significant increase in acquisition of SDL on 29th day. Similarly, significant increase in retention of Quadrant-time in Morris Water Maze was also observed with both doses of F. benghalensis and other groups compared to controls on 30th day. However, significant decrease in brain AChE level, was observed with only F. benghalensis dose II. Conclusion: Overall, the positive effects of F. benghalensis on cognition were comparable to other two groups, namely, Piracetam and Glimepiride. Hence, it can be concluded that F. benghalensis might be effective in alleviating the behavioral and biochemical changes in diabetes mellitus.

Mechanism of Ficus hirta-Hypericum perforatum in treatment of microvascular angina based on network pharmacology and molecular docking / 中国中药杂志

The active ingredients of Ficus hirta and Hypericum perforatum were collected from Traditional Chinese Medicine Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP) and related papers. The potential targets of these two medicinal herbs were searched from HERB database, and those associated with microvascular angina were screened out from GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM), Therapeutic Target Database(TTD), and HERB. Cytoscape was used to construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI) network of the common targets shared by the two herbs and microvascular angina based on the data of String platform. Metascape was employed to identify the involved biological processes and pathways enriched with the common targets. Cytoscape was used to draw the "active ingredient-target-pathway" network. AutoDock Vina was used to dock the core ingredients with the key targets. A total of 19 potential active ingredients and 71 potential targets were identified to be associated with microvascular angina. Bioinformatics analysis showed that phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3 K-AKT), interleukin-17(IL17), hypoxia-inducible factor 1(HIF-1) and other signaling pathways were related to the treatment of microvascular angina by F. hirta and H. perforatum. Molecular docking results showed that β-sitosterol, luteolin and other ingredients had strong affinity with multiple targets including mitogen-associated protein kinase 1(MAPK1), epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) and so on. These findings indicated that F. hirta and H. perforatum may regulate PI3 K-AKT, IL17, HIF-1 and other signaling pathways by acting on multiple targets to alleviate oxidative stress, inhibit inflammatory response, regulate angiogenesis, and improve vascular endothelium and other functions. This study provides reference for in vitro and in vivo studies of the treatment of microvascular angina.

Preliminary phytochemical screening of bark (powder) extracts of Ficus religiosa (peepal) plant

The traditional medicine involves the use of various different plant extracts or the bioactive constituents. The study such as ethno medicine keenly r presents the best avenues in searching new economic plants for medicine. This type of study gives the health application at affordable cost. The present study carried out to find out the phytochemical constituents in the Ficus religiosa bark. The Ficus religiosa was collected from the Rama University Campus. The shadow dried bark materials were grained and extracted with petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and ethanol: water (50: 50). Photochemical analysis was carried out according to standard procedures. The bark powder was successively extracted ith Phytochemical screening shows the presence of carbohydrate, glycoside, alk loid, protein, amino acid, phytosterol, tannin & flavonoids. The result of the study could be useful for description and phytochemical analysis of the plant.

Analgesic Activity Of Bark And Leaves Of Ficus Religiosa L. From Nepal

Objective: Because of adverse side effects, caused by NSAIDs, tolerance, and dependence induced by opiates, the use of these analgesic agents has not been successful in all cases. Therefore, alternative analgesic drugs from plant sources are the new target now days. The objective of this study was to evaluate the analgesic activity of ethanolic extracts of stem barks and leaves of Ficus religiosa. Methods: The analgesic activity of ethanolic extract of stem barks and leaves was evaluated in the Swiss albino mice model using acetic acid-induced writing response and Eddy’s hot plate method. Analgesic activity was demonstrated with the percentage inhibition of acetic acid induced writings and the percentage increased in latency time of paw licking. The potency of test extracts was compared with standard drug, Diclofenac. Results: Ethanolic extract of leaves and bark of F. religiosa showed potential analgesic activity from both methods. From Eddy’s hot plate model, it was observed that the percentage of increased latency time at 90 min by ethanolic extract of leaves and stem bark was found to be 70.81 % (8.54 min) and 70.78 % (8.53 min) respectively at a dose of 400 mg/kg. Both of these results are statistically significant (p<0.05) as compared to the test group. Furthermore, both of these extracts showed the dose-dependent and time-dependent increased in latency time and these results are compared to that of standard drug Diclofenac. Similarly, ethanolic extract of leaves and stem at 400 mg/kg significantly inhibited the number of writhings induced by acetic acid. The percentage inhibition of writhings by ethanolic extract of leaves at a dose of 400 mg/kg was 68.47 % which was similar to that of standard drug Diclofenac (68.47 %). However, ethanolic extract of bark showed relatively lower percentage inhibition (60.79 %) as compared to leaf extract and standard, but the result was significant as compared to that of the test group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Ethanolic extracts of F. religiosa stem bark and leaf possess both central and peripheral analgesic properties and these effects may be beneficial for the management of pain.

Fatty acid compositions of ether extracts of Bryophyllumpinnatum Lam., Ficus exasperata Vahl., Gossypium herbaceum Linn. and Hilleria latifolia (Lam.) H. Walt / Composición de ácidos grasos de extractos etéreos de Bryophyllum pinnatum Lam., Ficus exasperata Vahl., Gossypium herbaceum Linn. y Hilleria latifolia (Lam.) H. Walt

SUMMARY Currently, there is a growing interest in identifying alternative sources of fatty acids due to the present increasing demand for oil-rich botanicals in industrial applications. The main objective of this work was to identify the fatty acid compositions of ether extracts of dried leaves of Bryophyllum pinnatum Lam., Ficus exasperata Vahl., Gossypium herbaceum Linn. and Hilleria latifolia (Lam.) H. Walt. The fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector. Among the evaluated ether extracts, the higher contents of saturated fatty acids were found in H. latifolia (27.96%) with the principal presence of stearic acid compared to the content of the saturated fatty acids in B. pinnatum (0.53%), F. exasperata (0.04%) and G. herbaceum (0.47%). Equally, the result showed that H. latifolia contained the highest percentage of unsaturated fatty acids with the predominant presence of oleic acid with the amount of 41.04%. Linoleic acid was also found to have the highest value in H. latifolia with the amount of 20.41%. Stearic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid were found in all the samples. The extract of H. latifolia contained a healthy mixture of different types of fatty acids thus suggesting it as a probable source of suitable fatty acids.

RESUMEN Actualmente, existe un creciente interés en identificar fuentes alternativas de ácidos grasos debido a la creciente demanda actual de productos botánicos ricos en aceite en aplicaciones industriales. El objetivo principal de este trabajo fue identificar las composiciones de ácidos grasos de extractos de éter de hojas secas de Bryophyllum pinnatum Lam., Ficus exasperata Vahl., Gossypium herbaceum Linn. y Hilleria latifolia (Lam.) H. Walt. Los ácidos grasos fueron analizados por cromatografía de gases con detector de ionización de llama. Entre los extractos de éter evaluados, los mayores contenidos de ácidos grasos saturados se encontraron en H. latifolia (27,96%) con presencia principal de ácido esteárico en comparación con el contenido de los ácidos grasos saturados en B. pinnatum (0,53%), F. exasperata (0,04%) y G. herbaceum (0,47%). Igualmente, el resultado mostró que la H. latifolia contenía el mayor porcentaje de ácidos grasos insaturados con presencia predominante de ácido oleico con una cantidad de 41,04%. También se encontró que el ácido linoleico tiene el valor más alto en H. latifolia con una cantidad de 20,41%. Se encontró ácido esteárico, ácido oleico y ácido linoleico en todas las muestras. El extracto de H. latifolia contenía una mezcla saludable de diferentes tipos de ácidos grasos, lo que sugiere que es una fuente probable de ácidos grasos adecuados.

Actividad cicatrizante de seis extractos hidroalcohólicos de plantas en heridas incisas de Rattus norvegicus albinus / Healing activity of six hydroalcoholic extracts of plants in incised wounds of Rattus norvegicus albinus

Introducción: En la medicina militar, los agentes cicatrizantes naturales frente a heridas por incisión son relevantes en el tratamiento de los militares. Objetivo: Evaluar la actividad cicatrizante de los extractos hidroalcohólicos de Peperomia congona Sodiro (congona), Annona muricata L. (guanábana), Urtica urens L. (ortiga),Ormosia coccinea (Aubl) Jacks (huayruro), Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill. (tuna) y Musa acuminata Colla (plátano bellaco) en heridas incisas de Rattus norvegicus albinus (rata albina). Métodos: Estudio analítico experimental de tipo prospectivo y longitudinal. Se realizó el análisis fitoquímico preliminar de los 6 extractos. Se emplearon 80 ratas albinas machos, aleatorizadas y distribuidas en 8 grupos (n = 10). Se realizó una aplicación dermal durante 10 días consecutivos posteriores a la generación de heridas incisas que se realizaron en el dorso. Grupo I (cloruro de sodio al 0,9 por ciento). Grupo II (gel cicatrizante comercial). Del Grupo III al VIII fueron tratados con extracto hidroalcohólico de congona, guanábana, ortiga, huairuro, tuna y plátano bellaco respectivamente. La evolución de la cicatrización fue seguida en los días 1, 5 y 11 y medida en milímetros. Resultados: Se detectó la presencia de alcaloides, compuestos fenólicos y flavonoides en los 6 extractos; además de cumarinas en congona, taninos en guanábana, ortiga, tuna y huayruro, y quinonas en guanábana y plátano bellaco. Se comprobó la actividad cicatrizante en los extractos de guanábana (69,77 por ciento), tuna (66,27 por ciento), plátano bellaco (64,38 por ciento), ortiga (56,73 por ciento), congona (55,74 por ciento) y huayruro (54,50 por ciento), comparados con un gel comercial (72,21 por ciento). Conclusiones: El extracto hidroalcohólico de las hojas de Annona muricata L. (guanábana) presentó la mayor actividad cicatrizante en heridas incisas de ratas albinas machos(AU)

Introduction: In military medicine, natural healing agents against incision wounds are relevant in the treatment of the military. Objective: To evaluate the healing activity of the hydroalcoholic extracts of Peperomia congona Sodiro (congona), Annona muricata L. (guanabana), Urtica urens L. (ortiga), Ormosia coccinea (Aubl) Jacks (huairuro), Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill. (tuna) and Musa acuminata Colla (platano bellaco) in incised wounds of Rattus norvegicus albinus (albino rat). Methods: Experimental analytical study of prospective and longitudinal type. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the 6 extracts was carried out. We used 80 male albino rats, randomized and distributed in 8 groups (n = 10). A dermal application was made during 10 consecutive days after the generation of incised wounds that were made on the back. Group I (0.9 percent sodium chloride). Group II (commercial healing gel). From Group III to VIII they were treated with hydroalcoholic extract of congona, guanábana, ortiga, huairuro, tuna and platano bellaco respectively. The evolution of healing was followed on days 1, 5 and 11 and measured in millimeters. Results: The presence of alkaloids, phenolic compounds and flavonoids was detected in the 6 extracts; in addition to coumarins in congona, tannins in guanábana, nettle, tuna and huayruro, quinonas in guanábana and plantain bellaco. The healing activity was verified in the extracts of guanabana (69.77 percent), tuna (66.27 percent), platano bellaco (64.38 percent), ortiga (56.73 percent), congona (55.74 percent) and huayruro (54.50 percent), compared with a commercial gel (72.21 percent). Conclusions: The hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves of Annona muricata L. (guanábana) showed the highest healing activity in incised wounds of male albino rats(AU)

Protective Effect of Ficus pandurata Extract on Alcohol-induced Acute Liver Injury Base on Pyroptosis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To study the protective effect of Ficus pandurata extract on acute alcoholic liver injury based on pyroptosis mechanism.Method:The 56 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal control group， model control group， positive control group（60 mg·kg-1）， fresh medicine water extract group（48 g·kg-1）， dry drug water extract group（48 g·kg-1），dry drug 50% alcohol extract group（48 g·kg-1） and dry drug 95% alcohol extract group （48 g·kg-1）， 8 mice in each group.Positive control and different solvent extract groups of Ficus tenuifolia were intragastrically administrated for 18 days，once a day，while normal group and model group were given the same volume of pure water intragastrically. After 15 days of continuous gavage， mice received 50％ ethanol（12 mL·kg-1）intragastrically for 3 days to induce acute alcoholic liver injury model except for the normal control group. At 14 h after the last treatment，serum and liver samples were obtained，the serum content of alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate transaminase（AST） were determined， the histopathologic changes of the hepatic tissues were observed by hematoxylin ecosin（HE） staining.The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver was determined by thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and the content of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was determined by microplate method. Western blot and TUNEL assay kit was used to detect the cell pyroptosis rate.Result:Compared with normal group， ALT， AST， MDA and LDH levels in the model group were significantly increased， liver index was significantly increased，TUNEL staining positive， inflammatory factors and pyroptosis related protein expressions were significantly increased （P<0.05）. Compared with model control group， the ALT，AST ，MDA and LDH of the drug intervention group decreased significantly （P<0.05）. The liver index decreased in different degrees， and the expression of inflammatory factors and pyroptosis related protein in the water extract treatment group decreased significantly （P<0.05）.Conclusion:The root extract of Ficus pandurata Hance has protective effect on acute alcoholic liver injury， and the mechanism of water extract might relate to inhibiting hepatocyte pyroptosis.

Sterols possess immunomodulatory property: Activity guided isolation and in vitro screening of phytoconstituents of Pongamia glabra and Ficus glomerata / 中草药·英文版

Objective: To isolate the phytoconstituents from the methanolic extracts of the stem bark of Pongamia glabra and Ficus glomerata, characterize spectroscopically and screen for in vitro immunomodulatory activity on human neurophils. Methods: A flavonoid (PGF) and an alkaloidal compound (PGA) from the extract of P. glabra and a steroidal compound (FGS) and tannin fraction (FGT) from the extract of F. glomerata were isolated using column chromatography technique and were subjected for the spectroscopic (FT-IR, 1HNMR and LC-MS) and TLC studies to identify the compounds. The isolated compounds were screened for in vitro immunomodulatory activity on human neutrophils using nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) dye test, phagocytosis of Candida albicans and neutrophil locomotion and chemotaxis assay at the concentration range of 100, 50, 25, 12.50 and 5.00 µg/mL. Results: From the spectroscopic and TLC studies data, the isolated compounds were identified as glabrin (PGA), karanjin (PGF), β-sitosterol (FGS), and tannin fraction (FGT). The isolated compounds PGA, PGF, FGS, and FGT exhibited significant (P < 0.05) in vitro immunomodulatory activity in all the parameters studied. Conclusion: The steroidal compound, i.e. FGS was found to be more immunopotent than all constituents alkaloid, flavonoid and tannins. Hence, these constituents could be attributed to the immunomodulatory property of the plants.

In vitro and in silico anti-oxidant, cytotoxicity and biological activities of Ficus benghalensis and Duranta repens / 中草药·英文版

Objective: To report in vitro anti-oxidant activity and cytotoxicity of hydroalcoholic extract of Ficus benghalensis (bark) and Duranta repens (whole plant), and present the probable biological spectrum of major anti-oxidants from both plants. Methods: The coarse powder of both plants was first extracted with 70% ethanol (maceration) followed by 99% ethanol (Soxhlet-extraction). Anti-oxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated using DPPH, H2O2, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), NO scavenging assay, total antioxidant capacity, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), and metal chelating assay. Cytotoxicity of both extracts was evaluated using MTT assay in both tumor and normal cell lines i.e. Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) and A549 cells. Biological activity of individual anti-oxidants from both medicinal plants was identified using prediction of activity spectra for substances and a docking study was performed by using autodock4.0. Results: Hydroalcoholic extract of F. benghalensis and D. repens showed the highest free radical scavenging (ABTS) and chelating capacity respectively. Both extracts showed minimum cytotoxicity in normal cell lines compared to tumor cell lines. Computer imitation hits reflected the multiple biological activities agreeing with the folk use and some scientific reports. Further, we found the binding affinity of predicted anti-oxidant compounds with multiple protein molecules involved in oxidative stress. Conclusion: The present study reports the probable anti-oxidant mechanism for two folk agents and also presents probable pharmacological activities via computer simulations.

Histopathological Changes on Wistar Rat Wounds after Topical Application of Fig Leaf Extracts.

Background: The incision in the oral cavity is also taken for gingivectomy. Fig leaves (Ficus carica Linn) extract contains compounds of flavonoid, terpenoids and tannins and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The important markers of wound healing were fibroblasts, macrophages and collagen density. Aim and Objectives: To investigate the topical application of fig leaves extracts on Wistar rat wounds on the number of macrophages, fibroblasts and collagen density after treatment for three and seven days. Material and Methods: This research was performed on 24 rats by making incision wounds on the backs of Wistar rats and divided into control and treatment groups. The control groups were left untreated and the treatment groups were given fig leaves extract gel on the incision wound once every day during thee and seven days, and then the animals were sacrificed. Wound tissue was removed and fixed in 10% formalin solution for histopathological test. Then it was embedded in paraffin, and stained wit Hematoxylin–Eosin to observe fibroblasts and acrophages. The collagen density was observed by Masson's Trichome staining. Statistical analyses of fibroblasts and macrophages were using One-way Anova and Tukeys HSD. Collagen density was analyzed by using Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test. Results:There were significant differences amongthe groups (p<0.005) on the number of fibroblasts, macrophages and collagen density after treatment for three and seven days. Conclusion: Application of fig leaves extract on Wistar rat wounds could increase the number of fibroblasts and macrophages but not collagen density in the wound healing process.

Stem Bark Of Nyagrodha (ficus Bengalensis Linn): A Pharmacognostical And Physico-chemical Approach

Ficus bengalensis Linn, called ‘Nyagrodha’ in Ayurveda is a medicinal tree with wide range of uses in Ayurveda. The tree is having many useful parts such as bark, flower, latex, aerial roots etc. Among these, the stem bark which belongs to Panchavalkala in Ayurveda is having high demand in current scenario. Panchavalkala is the group of stem bark of five medicinal species in Ayurvedic system of medicine, which is an ingredient of many formulations. Other than this stem bark of Ficus bengalensis Linn is having many ethno medicinal uses. The drug is used for treating skin disorders, bleeding diseases, various metabolic disorders such as diabetes, dyslipidemia etc. Owing to the high demand of the drug, the adulteration of stem bark of Ficus bengalensis is common. The adulteration mostly happens with stem bark of other Ficus species as well as with the wood portion of the same instead of the bark. Thus here is an attempt to establish the genuineness of stem bark of Ficus bengalensis Linn by method of pharmacognosy and physico-chemical evaluation. The pharmacognostic evaluation includes macroscopic, microscopic evaluation of stem bark as well as the powder macroscopy and microscopy of the same by referring the standards. The physico-chemical evaluation is done by assessing various physico-chemical parameters such as foreign matter, ash values, extractive values, tannin content, sugar content, phenol content etc. Both the pharmacognostical and physico-chemical evaluation has proved the genuineness of the drug.

Preliminary Phytochemical Analysis and In vitro Antimicrobial Study of the Root and Stem Bark Extracts of Ficus sycomorus Linn

This study was conducted to carryout preliminary phytochemical analysis and in vitro antimicrobial activities of aqueous and ethanolic root and stem bark extracts of Ficus sycomorus. Qualitative phytochemical analysis for tannins, saponin, terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, phenols, and reducing sugar was done using standard methods. The antimicrobial activities of the extracts were tested against four micro- organisms; Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella dysentrae, and Salmonella typhi. Agar well diffusion method was used for the antimicrobial studies. Phytochemical screening of both root and stem bark aqueous extracts showed the presence of tannin, saponin, terpenoid, flavonoid, alkaloids, glycoside, steroid, reducing sugar, and phenol. Glycoside was not detected in both the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the root bark. The result of the antimicrobial studies showed that the aqueous root extract have higher antimicrobial activity ranging from (2-12 mm) on the tested microorganisms than aqueous stem bark extract (3-9 mm), while for ethanol extract both stem and root bark extract has almost the same effect or antimicrobial activity on the tested pathogens ranging from (2-15 mm) which is having higher activity compared to the aqueous extracts. The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of both the extracts were found to be 50 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL respectively. From this study, it can, therefore, be concluded that the root and stem bark extract is a potential antimicrobial agent which support the claim of the traditional users of this plant in herbal medicine for the treatment of diseases that are of microbial origin.

Teratogenic effects of aqueous extract of Ficus glomerata leaf during embryonic development in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Over the past few decades, many reports were published in scientific journals describing medicinal properties of Ficusglomerata (FG). However, its effects on embryonic development and its safety characteristics have not been studied.The purpose of this investigation was to determine lethal concentration 50 (LC50) and study the effect of aqueousextract of FG leaf (AEFG) on developmental abnormalities in zebrafish embryos. LC50 value of AEFG was calculatedby using probit analysis. Effect on percentage hatchability, heartbeat rate, total body length, and developmentalmorphological abnormalities, i.e., delayed growth, abnormal movement, tail detachment, abnormal head-trunkangle, scoliosis/flexure, and yolk sac edema were recorded. AEFG revealed LC50 of 239.88 ppm. The result showeda significant reduction in percent hatchability (p < 0.05), heartbeat rate (p < 0.001), total body length (p < 0.001),and developmental morphological abnormalities in the embryos treated with AEFG. This research can be used inconsidering the safety of an AEFG extract for their use during pre-conception or early pregnancy period.

Use of plant growth regulators in fig tree seedling s 'roxo de valinhos' / Uso de reguladores vegetais em mudas de figueira 'Roxo de Valinhos'

The application of plant growth regulators can promote better development of the seedlings, essential for the success of fruit growing. The current study aims to evaluate the use of plant growth regulators in fig tree seedlings 'Roxo de Valinhos'. The experiment was carried out in a suspended nursery covered with plastic, using rooted cuttings of the cultivar Roxo de Valinhos. Four applications were made with a commercial product, known as Stimulate®, at doses of 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mL L-1. Using a randomized block experimental design, the study was subdivided into plots (doses X days of the last application [after 0, 7, 14 and 21]). The following traits were evaluated: stem and root length; stem diameter; root volume; leaf number; leaf area; stem, leaf and root dry mass; specific leaf area, leaf weight ratio; leaf area ratio; and chlorophyll total. Results indicated that the product promoted greater seedlings development at a dose range from 100 to 150 mL L-1. Different dose levels did not vary according to the days after product application. Furthermore, using such technique enabled seedlings of higher quality and vigour.

A aplicação de reguladores vegetais pode configurar uma técnica viável para promoção do melhor desenvolvimento das mudas, imprescindível para o sucesso da fruticultura. Deste modo, objetivou-se avaliar o uso de reguladores vegetais na produção de mudas da figueira 'Roxo de Valinhos'. O experimento foi realizado em viveiro suspenso com cobertura plástica, utilizando-se estacas enraizadas da cultivar Roxo de Valinhos. Foram realizadas quatro aplicações com o produto comercial Stimulate® nas concentrações de 0, 50, 100, 150, e 200 mL L-1. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados com parcelas subdivididas [concentrações X épocas de avaliação (após 0, 7, 14 e 21 dias da última aplicação)]. Avaliou-se: comprimento do ramo e da maior raiz; diâmetro do ramo; volume de raízes; número de folhas e área foliar; massa seca de folhas, ramos e raízes; área específica foliar, razão de peso foliar e razão da área foliar; e teores de clorofila total. O uso do produto, nas concentrações de 100 a 150 mL L-1, promoveu maior desenvolvimento das mudas. O efeito das diferentes doses não variou em função dos dias após aplicação do produto. O uso de tal técnica permite a obtenção de mudas de maior qualidade e vigor.

Isolation and Characterization of Bergapten from the Root Bark of Ficus exasperata (Vahl)

Despite the wide ethnomedicinal applications of Ficus exasperata, little is known about the active principles responsible for the observed biological effects, thus limiting opportunities for further therapeutic applications. The bioassay guided chemical investigation of F. exasperataroot bark resulted in the isolationof a furocoumarin (D-1) shown to be partly responsible for the acclaimed anti-diabetic effect of the plant.